2009 Initial Quality: Midsize and Large Cars

Midsize Car Segment


Highest Ranked: 2009 Nissan Altima
Nissan’s popular Altima is the highest-ranked car in the midsize class, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Initial Quality Study^SM (IQS). Available in four different trim levels—S, SE, SL and Hybrid—the Altima is offered in both sedan and coupe body styles. The Altima Hybrid Sedan is powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine rated at 158 horsepower, assisted by a 40-hp electric motor and mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Its earned EPA fuel-economy estimates are 35 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. Altima S and SL are available with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, while SL and SE are offered with a powerful 3.5-liter V-6. For 2009, Nissan has added more standard equipment across the lineup and changed many of the color options.

According to owners of the 2009 Nissan Altima, the top five problem areas are:

• Excessive wind noise
• Fuel cap is hard to open or close
• Headrest adjustment controls are difficult to understand or use
• Hands-free communication system does not recognize a command
• Heater doesn’t get hot enough fast enough

Learn More About the 2009 Nissan Altima
See 2009 Nissan Altima Pictures
View 2009 Nissan Altima Ratings
View a Photo Gallery of the Most Problem-Free Cars
Browse Other Nissan Models


Ranked No. 2: 2009 Pontiac G6
Ranked No. 3: 2009 Chevrolet Malibu